Anchorage, Alaska ­ Governor Sean Parnell marked his 100th
day in office as the state's chief executive by reaffirming his
commitment to growing Alaska's economy and strengthening families.

"One hundred days ago, I pledged to position Alaska for
investment and economic growth, and to train and educate more
Alaskans for jobs," Governor Parnell said. "We're making
progress."

Quoting a news release, the Parnell-Campbell administration has
been a strong advocate for responsible oil and gas development
in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of Alaska. In meetings with
the secretary of the Interior, White House officials, trade groups,
and others, Governor Parnell has argued that such development
would be in the best interests of Alaska and the nation and that
the significant oil and gas potential of the Alaska OCS could
be developed without harming the environment.

The news release also noted that the governor has urged strong
support for construction of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska's
North Slope through Canada to the Midwest. And, he has worked
to keep in-state gas options open. Governor Parnell's advocacy
for a gasline has ranged from Alaskans to the White House, to
members of Congress, among oil and gas companies, and to Lower
48 consumers and regulators.

Noting that jobs in resource development and related fields could
be jeopardized through misuse of the Endangered Species Act (ESA),
Governor Parnell directed the Department of Law to file two legal
briefs to reject the listing of the polar bear as threatened.

Governor Parnell has also recognized the need for a better-trained
workforce for Alaska's future according to a news release. Recently,
he proposed a sweeping new scholarship program for Alaska students
based on academic achievement. The program is designed to better
prepare them for college and job training, and encourage them
to stay in Alaska for their post-secondary education and careers.

The quality of life in rural Alaska is another top concern of
the Parnell administration. Work continues on enhancing the Village
Public Safety Officer program, securing a federal disaster declaration
for poor chinook salmon returns on the Yukon River and ensuring
that villages have sufficient gas supplies for the winter.

On the Web:

More on Governor Parnell's
first 100 days in office
http://gov.state.ak.us/pdf/AKGovernorSeanParnell-100Days.pdf